Featured

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 2, 2020 Open Application Period Begins January 2, 2020 for Preschool Open Doors Program Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping families better afford preschool for the 2020-2021 school year. The Preschool Open Doors program opened an application period today that runs until March 31, 2020. Both ...
Read More Open Application Period Begins January 2, 2020 for Preschool Open Doors Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2019 Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping families better afford preschool for the 2019-2020 school year. The Preschool Open Doors program opened an additional application period today that runs until May 31, 2019. Both the application period and funding are limited, so DHS encourages families ...
Read More Additional Open Application Period Begins May 1, 2019 for Preschool Open Doors Program

In December 2018, Gov. David Ige reappointed Pankaj Bhanot as Department of Human Services (DHS) Director. As director, Bhanot also reappointed DHS Deputy Director Cathy Betts. Bhanot has served as DHS Director since September 2016, after the departure of former director Rachael Wong. Bhanot previously served as Wong’s deputy and had served as deputy for ...
Read More Dir. Pankaj Bhanot Returns for Another Year and Adds to His Team

Important Info about SNAP Benefits

Posted on Jan 16, 2019 in Main, NEWS

Due to the partial federal government shutdown, we will be issuing February benefits earlier than normal for most SNAP clients. Clients may see their February benefits by Jan. 20. We encourage clients to please budget carefully for these early benefits. We cannot provide additional assistance in February. More information is available from our federal partners ...
Read More Important Info about SNAP Benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has opened an application period for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program 2019-2020 POD school year. We encourage families to apply between January 2, 2019 and March 29, 2019.  Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, ...
Read More Preschool Open Doors Now Accepting Applications

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 23, 2018 Pāhoa, HI – Short-term food assistance will soon be available for families affected by the East Hawai‘i Kilauea volcanic eruption through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) will accept applications in Hilo and Kailua-Kona beginning Wednesday, July 25. “East ...
Read More Food Assistance Available to Those Affected by Eruption

HONOLULU – Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific (REHAB) is the first organization in Hawai‘i to launch Project SEARCH, a one-year program aimed at helping secure competitive employment for people with disabilities. In partnership with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health, Abilities Unlimited, Department of Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Kalani High School, REHAB serves as the ...
Read More Project SEARCH Graduates First Student Interns

Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has opened an application period for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program-2018-2019 POD school year, and encourages families to apply between May 1, 2018 and May 31, 2018. Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2018 and June 30, ...
Read More Preschool Open Doors Additional Application Period Begins May 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 20, 2018 Kailua-Kona, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has temporarily closed its North Kona Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division Processing Center. This office processes applications for financial assistance and SNAP. It also houses First-to-Work and Child Care Licensing offices. First-to-Work is currently at the Goodwill First-to-Work office, ...
Read More Kailua-Kona DHS Office Temporarily Closed